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A Wakefield Independent Study Leads to Ocean Turbulence
A Wakefield Independent Study Leads to Ocean Turbulence
By Finnliegh Renz
My curiosity about microplastics was piqued during a recent Wakefield School-sponsored trip to the Galápagos Islands.
Our group traveled there to research endangered tortoises and remove invasive snails. On the shores of Tortuga Bay—one of the most remote and pristine beaches in the Pacific—I stumbled upon something unexpected: tiny plastic fibers embedded in the sand.
If micro-plastics could find their way to such an isolated location, I wondered what effects they might have on ocean currents worldwide?
Fortunately, I was able to explore this question further in the laboratory through Wakefield School’s Independent Study Program. With the support of a team of expert faculty mentors, I embarked on a journey of discovery—from poring over research articles to designing and constructing experimental equipment —enabling me to experience the thrill of scientific inquiry.
Wakefield’s Independent Study Program offers students a unique opportunity to explore their intellectual passions beyond the bounds of the traditional curriculum.
The program is rooted in the belief that deep learning occurs when students take ownership of their education. It empowers participants to ask bold questions and seek meaningful answers by creating their own novel independent study projects. They span a wide range of disciplines—from environmental science and engineering to literature, economics, and the arts—and allow students to investigate areas rarely covered in typical high school courses.
According to Peter Findler, Head of Upper School, this self-directed learning experience not only fosters critical thinking and problem solving skills but also cultivates the intellectual curiosity essential for success in college.
He added that students engaged in independent study discover not just new information, but new dimensions about themselves, often viewing themselves as scholars and innovators capable of sharing ideas that matter.
Dr. Victoria Miller, Wakefield’s Science Chair, believes few experiences are more transformative for a student than uncovering meaningful trends within their own raw data -- especially when those patterns connect to complex global systems.
With her guidance, I elected to study ocean turbulence. My project, “The Effects of Microplastics on Biologically Generated Turbulence in Oceans,” earned regional recognition—second place in the Environmental and Planetary Science Division at the Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair. It also received a special award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for “Taking the Pulse of the Planet.”
It’s a powerful example of how personal curiosity, scientific investigation, and environmental stewardship can intersect in meaningful ways.
This experience taught me that science isn’t just about results—it’s about asking the right questions, navigating setbacks, and letting curiosity lead the way.
In a world increasingly shaped by complexity and rapid change, Wakefield’s Independent Study Program offers something both rare and essential: a chance for students to engage deeply, think independently, and make meaningful contributions—even in high school.
It’s a program that not only readies students for college, it prepares them to ask questions that matter and to search for the answers, wherever they may lead.
Details: Finnliegh Renz is a rising senior at Wakefield School in The Plains. To view her project, visit https:// bit.ly/3EZHBB1.
